Patterns in data

In recent years, phrases like ‘big data’, ‘machine learning’, ‘algorithms’ and ‘pattern recognition’ have started slipping into everyday discussion. We’ve worked with researchers and experts to generate an open and informed public discussion on patterns in data across a wide range of projects.

Algorithms in decision-making

The House of Commons science and technology committee launched an inquiry into ‘Algorithms in decision-making’ following a fantastic pitch from our policy manager Dr Stephanie Mathisen. As Steph argues, algorithms — quite rapidly and without debate — have come to replace humans in making decisions that affect many aspects of our lives, from criminal justice to education. Algorithms in themselves are neither ‘good’ nor ‘bad’, but where the public has little access to information about the workings of algorithms in decision-making, there is a serious lack of transparency and therefore accountability and choice. We look forward to the committee’s report in 2018.

TrialsTracker

In 2016 AllTrials launched an automated clinical trial tracker, that identified who is and isn’t publishing their trials. The tracker uses data from the largest clinical trial register, Clinicaltrials.gov, and is clear and open about the data and methodology used to identify missing trials. It is also automatically updated when trials are added to the register.